System and Method for Ultra-Close Proximity Irradiation of Rotating Biomass

ABSTRACT

An irradiation system is provided which comprises a cabinet housing one or more X-ray tubes providing an irradiation source for a biomass contained within a cylindrical container arranged on a rotating device. The X-ray tubes generate directional X-ray beams and are provided in ultra-close proximity to the container, and the X-ray tubes can be configured to traverse the container. The rotational movement and traversal during the irradiation process ensure a more even irradiation of the entire biomass in the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No.17/847,647 filed Jun. 23, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/214,247 filed Jun. 23, 2021 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/304,688 filed Jan. 30, 2022, which areeach herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present application relates to a method and a system for irradiatingmolds and other microbes from a biomass, such as cannabis, usingionizing irradiation (e.g., x-ray energy).

There are presently available different types of systems and devices formold and microbial irradiation, which have several shortcomings. Forexample, some systems may include one or more stationary radiationgenerating devices within a cabinet. However, given the attenuation ofthe radiation over distance, these systems can provide an unevenradiation throughout the biomass, with the parts of the biomass furthestfrom the radiation generating device getting considerably less radiationdose, resulting in less than complete microbial irradiation and theparts of the biomass closest to the source being possibly damaged fromover irradiation. Moreover, this process can take an extended period oftime - five to nine hours. For example, if an X-ray tube is arranged atthe bottom of a biomass, the bottom of the biomass will receive moreradiation than the rest of the biomass. This results in either, or bothof, an under-irradiation of the sections the container resulting inhigher microbe and mold levels than permissible, or an excessive amountof energy having to be used over-irradiating the bottom of the biomassto overcompensate for the uneven irradiation of the biomass. Irradiatorsthat utilize hemispheric or panoramic beam patterns may similarly resultin an excess amount of energy use from directing radiation into emptyspace in a cabinet. Such systems may also position the radiationgenerating device(s) at a distance from the biomass, resulting in lessof the radiation being received directly by the biomass, also reducingthe effectiveness of the irradiation while increasing the amount of timerequired for the process. In other systems, a conveyor belt-typeapproach may be provided, where the biomass is conveyed along a movingsurface adjacent to a radiation generating device. These systems sufferfrom similar shortcomings of the biomass being irradiated unevenly, andin the case of e-beam irradiation, are very costly and outside thefinancial reach of smaller growers and producers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with the present application, an irradiation system isprovided which comprises a cabinet housing one, or a plurality of, X-raytubes providing an irradiation source for a biomass contained within acylindrical container arranged on a rotating device. The X-ray tubes areprovided in ultra-close proximity to the container, with the conicalbeam of energy not necessarily encompassing the entire width of thecontainer, and the X-ray tubes can be configured to traverse thecontainer either vertically or horizontally depending on the orientationof the container - upright or laying horizontally. Coupled with therotation of the container on the platform, the X-ray tube(s), which alsotraverse the length of the container during the irradiation process,ensure a more even irradiation of the entire biomass, from top to bottomand from the perimeter to the center.

In certain embodiments, the x-ray tube(s) may not necessarily traversein unison but may make a single pass, make multiple passes, traverse inunison, or traverse in opposite linear directions. In some embodiments,the x-ray tubes may be stationary and the container itself is put inlinear motion, either horizontally or vertically. The rotating biomasscontainer may also be oriented on either the vertical or horizontalplanes.

A bagged biomass is placed in a cylindrical container and “nested” on arotating device in a cabinet or other enclosure via an access door. Uponinitiating the start of the cycle, the container begins to rotate, andthe x-ray tubes begin a slow, linear traverse along the axis of thebiomass container, or the x-ray tube(s) will remain stationary as therotating cannister filled with biomass is raised and lowered.

The system of the present application provides greater homogeneity ofdosage by rotating the biomass container. Rotation of the cylindricalcanister ensures the outer portion of the biomass, which receives themost intense radiation dose, is exposed to the conical beam path(s) forless time than the center, which is constantly being dosed (irradiated).Therefore, as opposed to the center of biomass receiving only 25% of thedose that the perimeter of the biomass sees -as it would were thebiomass container not under rotation - it receives just 50% less.Ionizing x-ray energy follows the inverse square law of light,mathematically expressed as I ∝ (1/d²), and so the material closest tothe source receives a much higher dose of radiation while the center ofthe canister receives much less. For example, doubling the distance fromthe source (e.g., point A) to subject (e.g., point B) will not halve theenergy at point B, but will reduce that energy to one-fourth the energyat point A.

Using a plurality of x-ray tubes as described herein hastens theirradiation process proportionately - i.e., two x-ray tubes will processbiomass twice as fast as one and four x-ray tubes will process biomasstwice as fast as two.

The system of the present application also utilizes traversing x-raytubes, or stationary x-ray tubes with a traversing biomass container, toensure even dosage through the entire canister of biomass. Directionalx-ray tubes do not generate a “flat” field of energy within the conicalshaped beam pattern. Factors such as “heel effect” and acharacteristically bell-shaped dose intensity curve across the field ofview would make for inconsistent dosing throughout a static container.By traversing the energy parallel to the axis of rotation of thecontainer, the dose results are extremely homogeneous and consistent(flat) along that plane. Because the perimeter of the rotating biomassis exposed to the most intense portion of the energy beam(s) only for ashort period of time, and the center of biomass is exposed to the lessintense portion of the energy beam(s) constantly, near homogeneity ofdose is achieved laterally (across the diameter of the container).Because the energy beam(s) move linearly relative to a rotatingcontainer of biomass, absolute homogeneity of dose is achievedthroughout the entire length of the container, parallel to its axis.

Varying the linear speed of the x-ray tube traverse at the leading edgeof the canister further achieves even dose distribution throughout thecanister. When the x-ray tube(s) begin the traverse below the bottom ofthe biomass container, the bottommost portion of material does notreceive the same amount of radiation as the rest of the container due tothe conical shaped beam. Therefore, the x-ray tubes can traverse moreslowly at the leading edge (bottom) of the container to ensuresufficient dosage.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present application anapparatus is provided comprising an enclosure. The enclosure may includetherein: a platform configured for axial rotation, and at least onex-ray tube configured to generate an x-ray beam directed in a firstdirection towards the platform, where either or both of the platform orthe at least one x-ray tube are configured for movement within theenclosure in a second direction perpendicular to the first directionconcurrent with the axial rotation of the platform.

Implementations of the apparatus of the first aspect of the presentapplication may include one or more of the following features. Invarious embodiments of the apparatus, the at least one x-ray tube mayinclude two x-ray tubes, each configured to generate x-ray beams anddisposed opposite each other within the enclosure, such that one of thex-ray tubes generates an x-ray beam in the first direction and anotherof the x-ray tubes directed in a direction opposite the first direction.The two x-ray tubes are each configured for movement in the seconddirection concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform. Theapparatus may further comprise: a support beam to which each of the twox-ray tubes is mounted; and a linear drive connected to the support beamconfigured to drive movement of the support beam and the two x-raytubes. The two x-ray tubes may each also be configured for furthermovement in a third direction that is opposite the second direction,concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the at least one x-ray tube,may include two x-ray tubes, each configured to generate x-ray beams anddisposed opposite each other within the enclosure, such that one of thex-ray tubes generates an x-ray beam in the first direction and anotherof the x-ray tubes directed in a direction opposite the first direction;and the platform may also be configured for further movement in a thirddirection that is opposite the second direction, concurrent with theaxial rotation of the platform. The platform is configured for movementin the second direction concurrent with the axial rotation of theplatform.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the at least one x-ray tube isconfigured for movement in the second direction concurrent with theaxial rotation of the platform. The at least one x-ray tube may also beconfigured for further movement in a third direction that is oppositethe second direction, concurrent with the axial rotation of theplatform.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the at least one x-ray tube isconfigured for movement in the second direction concurrent with theaxial rotation of the platform, and the platform is configured formovement in the second direction concurrent with the axial rotation ofthe platform. The platform may be configured for further movement in athird direction that is opposite the second direction, concurrent withthe axial rotation of the platform. The apparatus may include a liftingsystem to which the platform is mounted, and which is configured to movethe platform in the second and third directions concurrent with theaxial rotation of the platform. The enclosure is a leaded cabinet. Theplatform can be configured to rotate 360°. The apparatus may alsoinclude a mount configured to mount the platform to a surface within theenclosure.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present application, a systemis provided comprising an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise: anenclosure, including therein: a platform configured for axial rotation,and at least one x-ray tube configured to generate an x-ray beamdirected in a first direction towards the platform, where either or bothof the platform or the at least one x-ray tube are configured formovement within the enclosure in a second direction perpendicular to thefirst direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform. Thesystem also includes a container disposed on the platform configured tohold contents to be irradiated by the at least one x-ray tube, where theplatform is further configured to rotate the container disposed thereon.

Implementations of the system of the second aspect of the presentapplication may include one or more of the following features. Thecontainer of the system can be placed in near surface contact orultra-close proximity with the at least one x-ray tube, and the at leastone X-ray tube emits a directional beam of energy, which beam does notencompass the entire container of biomass all at once. In variousembodiments, the container is cylindrical, and at least a portion of acentral axis of the container is exposed to the x-ray beam generated bythe at least one x-ray tube and points on a perimeter of the containerare intermittently exposed to the x-ray beam generated by the at leastone x-ray tube.

In embodiments of the second aspect of the present application, the atleast one x-ray tube may include two x-ray tubes, each configured togenerate x-ray beams and disposed opposite each other within theenclosure so as to generate x-ray beams contacting opposite sides of thecontainer. The two x-ray tubes can each be configured for movement inthe second direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform.The two x-ray tubes may also each be configured for further movement ina third direction that is opposite the second direction, concurrent withthe axial rotation of the platform. The two x-ray tubes are configuredto traverse substantially an entire length of the container in thesecond direction and/or the third direction.

In additional or alternative embodiments of the second aspect of thepresent application, the at least one x-ray tube may include two x-raytubes, each configured to generate x-ray beams and disposed oppositeeach other within the enclosure so as to generate x-ray beams contactingopposite sides of the container, and the platform is configured formovement in the second direction concurrent with the axial rotation ofthe platform. The platform is configured for further movement in a thirddirection that is opposite the second direction, concurrent with theaxial rotation of the platform. The platform is configured to travel adistance in the second direction and/or in the third direction so as toexpose substantially an entire length of the container to the x-raybeams generated by the two x-ray tubes.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the at least one x-ray tube isconfigured for movement in the second direction concurrent with theaxial rotation of the platform; the at least one x-ray tube isconfigured for further movement in a third direction that is oppositethe second direction, concurrent with the axial rotation of theplatform; and the at least one x-ray tube can traverse substantially anentire length of the container in the second direction and/or the thirddirection.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the platform is configured formovement in the second direction concurrent with the axial rotation ofthe platform; the platform is configured for further movement in a thirddirection that is opposite the second direction, concurrent with theaxial rotation of the platform; and the platform is configured to travela distance in the second direction and/or the third direction so as toexpose substantially an entire length of the container to the x-ray beamgenerated by the at least one x-ray tube.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the system may furthercomprise a temperature probe inside the enclosure configured to monitora temperature inside the enclosure; and a cooling unit inside theenclosure configured to be switched on the temperature inside theenclosure reaches an upper temperature threshold.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present application, a methodis provided. The method comprises loading a container stored withcontents to be irradiated onto a platform in an irradiation apparatusand performing an irradiation process configured to irradiate thecontents of the container. The platform is configured for axialrotation; and at least one x-ray tube of the irradiation apparatus isconfigured to generate an x-ray beam in a first direction towards theplatform and the container. The irradiation process comprisesconcurrently: rotating the container on the platform, generating thex-ray beam by the at least one x-ray tube and directed the x-ray beamtowards the container, and moving the platform or the at least one x-raytube in a second direction perpendicular to the first directionconcurrent with the axial rotation of the platform so that over theirradiation process, substantially an entire length of the container isexposed to the x-ray beam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A shows a side view of an irradiation system according to anembodiment of the present application.

FIG. 1B shows a top view of the irradiation system according to anembodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2 shows a cabinet of the irradiation system according to anembodiment of the present application.

FIGS. 3A-3B show views of an irradiation system according to anembodiment of the present application within a cabinet and including acanister.

FIGS. 4A-4C show views of an irradiation system according to anembodiment of the present application within a cabinet.

FIGS. 5A-5I show an irradiation system according to the presentapplication including a single, fixed X-ray tube.

FIGS. 6A-6I show an irradiation system according to the presentapplication including two, fixed X-ray tubes.

FIGS. 7A-7I show an irradiation system according to the presentapplication including two, moving X-ray tubes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The irradiation system of the present application will be described withreference made to FIG. 1A-7 .

An irradiation system 10 is provided, which in particular embodiments,can be used for irradiation of mold and/or microbes on a biomass. Incertain embodiments, the biomass may be plants such as cannabis plants,but the irradiation system 10 is not limited to use with irradiation ofa particular subject or biomass and can be used in connection with othersubject matter or biomass products that require remediation during theirprocessing.

The irradiation system 10 comprises or can be contained in an X-raycabinet 100 that is generally known in the art. The irradiation system10 comprises a collection of components that are housed inside of anarea of the cabinet 100 that can be accessed by way of an access door101. In one embodiment, the irradiation system 10 comprises a pair ofX-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b configured to generate conical X-ray beams 21 a,21 b that are directed towards a container 40 arranged on a platform 30within the cabinet 100. One or more power cables 22 a, 22 b are providedto supply power to the X-ray tubes for generating the X-ray beams 21 a,21 b.

The platform 30 is configured for a rotational movement. As shown forexample in FIGS. 3A-4B, a mount 31 can be provided to mount the platform30 to the cabinet 100, and a rotational device comprising a connection32 for receiving a motor 33 is provided, which enables the platform 30to rotate 360°. The rotational speed of the platform can range fromthree to ten RPM. When the container 40 is placed on the platform 30 andthe system 10 is in use, the container 40 and the biomass 41 arrangedtherein also rotate axially.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, rotating the biomass 41 allows for the centerof the biomass 41 to constantly receive the conical X-ray beams 21 a, 21b during the irradiation process, while the outer portions of thebiomass 41 receive the conical X-ray beam 21 a, 21 b less frequently(i.e., the further from the center the biomass 41 is, the less often itis exposed to the X-rays 21 a, 21 b). However, because the X-rays 21 a,21 b have greater intensity closer to the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b, theradiation is weakest at the center of the biomass 41 receiving theradiation for the longest time duration, and strongest at the perimeterof the biomass 41 receiving the radiation for the shortest timeduration. This ensures a more even amount of radiation is provided tothe biomass 41 across the cross-sectional area of the biomass 41.

To ensure that the biomass 41 is also evenly irradiated along itsvertical height or length, the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b are configured totraverse the vertical axis of the container 40. A linear drive structure26 can be provided for driving the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b vertically,including for example a pair of vertical tracks 23 a, 23 b and ahorizontal support beam 24. The linear drive 26 may include a leadscrew, which can be a threaded rod, and a motor/gearbox that turns thelead screw. The lead screw turns in a threaded hole, which can bedrilled in support beam 24. Each of the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b may beprovided with a mount 25 a, 25 b, which may be configured to receive thepower cables 22 a, 22 b therethrough on one end, and to secure the X-raytubes 20 a, 20 b to the linear drive structure on the other end, withthe X-ray tube 20 a, 20 b mounted between the two ends. The X-ray tubes20 a, 20 b can be secured to either or both of the vertical tracks 23 a,23 b or the horizontal beam 24, so that when the linear drive mechanism26 is activated, the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b move vertically to traversesubstantially the entire length of the container 40 and biomass 41.Thus, not only is the biomass 41 radiated evenly across itscross-sectional area, but also evenly along substantially the entirelength of the container 40, such that the center of the biomass 41 alongthe vertical axis is irradiated at the same level as the top and bottomof the biomass 41. The speed of the traversal may vary and can beconfigured to increase or decrease during the traversal.

Although FIG. 1A shows the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b traversing thecontainer 40 upwardly (i.e., away from the platform 30), the system 10may be configured for the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b to move downwardly(i.e., from the top of the container 40 towards the platform 30) or inboth directions in an alternating manner. The time required for theirradiation process may vary depending on the amount of required dosage,which is a function of the bioburden, in that a greater number ofpathogens on a biomass requires a longer irradiation time. Theirradiation cycle time according to the present application may rangefrom 45 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the number and intensity of thex-ray tubes being used. The X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b can be configured totraverse the container at a linear speed between four inches per hourand thirty inches per hour.

In order to maximize the amount of exposure of the X-ray beams 21 a, 21b and reduce wasted energy supplied to the system 10, the X-ray tubes 20a, 20 b can be arranged in very close proximity to the container 40,such as near contact between the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b and thecontainer 40. As the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b are arranged closer to thebiomass 41, it increases the intensity of the radiation received by thebiomass 41 and avoids providing excess radiation to empty space in thecabinet 100. This reduces the amount of time needed for the irradiationprocess and the power consumption required for the irradiation process.Preferably, the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b are unidirectional, emitting abeam pattern in one direction. The X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b may also bewrapped in a corrugated sheet metal heatsink, as shown for example inFIG. 4C, which increases the square inches for cooling.

In certain embodiments of the system 10, the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b are160 kV and 6 kW X-ray tubes. In other embodiments, X-ray tubes ofdifferent wattages or voltages may be used, such as an 8 kW-12kW tube ora 225 kV tube. Dosage, which is a significant factor to killingpathogens, is a function of power (wattage). In other words, a 160 kV,12 kW x-ray tube will kill pathogens twice as fast as a 160 kV, 6 kWtube.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the application, during theirradiation process the biomass 41 is placed in a bag, such as a bag ofplastic material, which is contained in a cylindrical canister orcontainer 40. In one embodiment, the container 40 may measureapproximately twelve inches in diameter, one-eighth inch in thicknessand twelve to twenty-four inches in length, depending on the systemmodel. However, the dimensions of the container 40 can vary in otherembodiments. The canister or container 40 can be made of any suitablematerial for housing a biomass 41 while sustaining exposure to X-rays,such as cardboard, paper, or plastic materials. In one embodiment, thecontainer 40 is made of a polymer that presents minimal x-ray beamattenuation while resisting breakdown caused by ionizing radiation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system 10 a and a method for irradiation ofcontaminants of a biomass in accordance with the present application.The system 10 a includes a leaded cabinet 100, within which is provideda rotating platform assembly 30 and an X-ray tube 20 a. A lifter system27 is also provided, which is secured to the rotating platform assembly30, and is configured to lift and lower the rotating platform assembly30 relative to the X-ray tube 20 a. In the system 10 a shown in FIG. 5 ,the X-ray tube 20 a is positioned beneath the rotating platform assembly30 in the assembly’s first, starting position (FIGS. 5A, 5B), but thisarrangement may vary in other embodiments, and the X-ray tube 20 a maybe positioned above or at the same level as the platform assembly 30.The components of the system 10 a of FIG. 5 may be similar to thosepreviously described with reference to FIGS. 1-4 .

In a first step in a method of using the system 10 a to irradiate abiomass, a container 40 is loaded into the leaded cabinet 100 and ontothe platform assembly 30 (FIG. 5A). In the figures, the container 40 iscylindrical having a length of twenty-four inches and a diameter oftwelve inches and is filled with a biomass, but in other embodiments thedimensions and content of the container 40 may vary. Once loaded ontothe platform 30, a power-up cycle begins in a first, “home” position(FIG. 5B). Upon power-up, the remediation process begins, and theplatform 30 and container 40 begin to rotate about a central axis alongthe length of the container 40 and the X-ray tube 20 a is turned on(FIG. 5C). The container platform 30 continues to rotate and begins todescend, where the container 40 passes the X-ray tube 20 a, exposing thebiomass 41 to the X-ray beam 21 a (FIGS. 5D, 5E). The platform 30continues its rotation and descent through the cabinet 100 and past theX-ray tube 20 a, such that substantially the entire cylindricalcontainer 40 is exposed to the X-ray beam 21 a generated by the X-raytube 20 a (FIG. 5F). As the remediation or exposure cycle comes to anend, the container 40 rotation begins to cease, and the X-ray exposurecycle concludes (FIG. 5G). The rotation of the platform 30 and container40 stops, and the platform 30 and container 40 ascend back to theinitial “home” position (FIG. 5H). Once the platform 30 and container 40have returned to the “home” position, the irradiation cycle iscompleted, the container 40 can be removed and replaced with a newcontainer 40 to begin a new cycle (FIG. 5I).

FIG. 6 illustrates a further system 10 b and a method for irradiation ofcontaminants in accordance with the present application. The system 10 bincludes a leaded cabinet 100, within which is provided a rotatingplatform assembly 30 and two opposing X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b. The system10 b in FIG. 6 is similar to that shown in FIG. 5 , except that a secondX-ray tube 20 b is provided opposite the first X-ray tube 20 a. A liftersystem 27 is also provided, which is secured to the rotating platformassembly 30, and is configured to lift and lower the rotating platformassembly 30 relative to the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b. In the systemarranged in FIG. 6 , the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b are positioned beneaththe rotating platform assembly 30 in its starting position, but thisarrangement may vary in other embodiments, and the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20b may be positioned above or at the same level as the platform assembly30. The components of the system 10 b of FIG. 6 may be similar to thosepreviously described with reference to FIGS. 1-4 .

In a first step in a method of using the system 10 b to irradiate abiomass, a container 40 is loaded into the leaded cabinet 100 and ontothe platform assembly 30 (FIG. 6A). In the figures, the container 40 iscylindrical having a length of twenty-four inches and a diameter oftwelve inches and is filled with a biomass, but in other embodiments thedimensions and content of the container 40 may vary. Once loaded ontothe platform 30, a power-up cycle begins in a first, “home” position(FIG. 6B). Upon power-up, the remediation process begins, and thecontainer 40 begins to rotate about a central axis along the length ofthe container 40 and the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b are turned on (FIG. 6C).The container platform 30 continues to rotate and begins to descend,where the container 40 passes the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b, exposing thebiomass 41 in the container 40 to the X-ray beams 21 a, 21 b generatedby the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b (FIGS. 6D, 6E). The platform 30 continuesits rotation and descent through the cabinet 100 and past the X-raytubes 20 a, 20 b, such that substantially the entire cylindricalcontainer 40 is exposed to the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b (FIG. 6F). As theremediation or exposure cycle comes to an end, the container 40 rotationbegins to cease, and the X-ray exposure cycle concludes (FIG. 6G). Therotation of the platform 30 and container 40 stops, and the platform 30and container 40 ascend back to the initial “home” position (FIG. 6H).Once the platform 30 and container 40 have returned to the “home”position, the irradiation cycle is completed, the container 40 can beremoved and replaced with a new container 40 to begin a new cycle (FIG.6I).

FIG. 7 illustrates a further system 10 c and a method for irradiation ofcontaminants in accordance with the present application. The system 10 cincludes a leaded cabinet 100, within which is provided a rotatingplatform assembly 30 and two opposing X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b. A liftersystem, including vertical tracks 23 a, 23 b, support beam 24, andlinear drive 26, is also provided, which is secured to the X-ray tubes20 a, 20 b, and is configured to lift and lower the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20b relative to the rotating platform assembly 30. The system 10 c in FIG.7 is similar to that shown in FIG. 6 , except that in the system of FIG.6 , the platform assembly 30 is static, and the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 bare raised and lowered. The system 10 c shown in FIG. 7 is similar tothat shown and described in FIGS. 1-4 . In the system 10 c in FIG. 7 ,the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b are positioned adjacent to and substantiallylevel with the rotating platform assembly 30 in the first, startingposition of the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b, but this arrangement may vary inother embodiments, and the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b may be positionedabove or below the platform assembly 30 as their starting position. Thecomponents of the system 10 c of FIG. 7 may be similar to thosepreviously described with reference to FIGS. 1-4 .

In a first step in a method of using the system 10 c to irradiate abiomass, a container 40 is loaded into the leaded cabinet 100 and ontothe platform assembly 30 (FIG. 7A). In the figures, the container 40 iscylindrical having a length of twenty-four inches and a diameter oftwelve inches and is filled with a biomass 41, but in other embodimentsthe dimensions and content of the container 40 may vary. Once thecontainer 40 is loaded onto the platform 30, a power-up cycle begins ina first, “home” position (FIG. 7B). Upon power-up, the remediationprocess begins, and the platform 30 and container 40 begin to rotateabout a central axis along the length of the container 40 and the X-raytubes 20 a, 20 b are turned on (FIG. 7C). The container platform 30continues to rotate, and the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b begin to ascend,where the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b pass the container 40, exposing thebiomass 41 in the container 40 to the X-ray beams 21 a, 21 b generatedby the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b (FIGS. 7D, 7E). The platform 30 continuesits rotation, and the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b continue ascending throughthe cabinet 100 and past the container 40, such that substantially theentire cylindrical container 40 is exposed to the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b(FIG. 7F). As the remediation or exposure cycle comes to an end, thecontainer 40 rotation begins to cease, and the X-ray exposure cycleconcludes (FIG. 7G). The rotation of the platform 30 and container 40stops, and the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b descend back to the initial “home”position (FIG. 7H). Once the X-ray tubes 20 a, 20 b and lift havereturned to the “home” position, the irradiation cycle is completed, thecontainer 40 can be removed and replaced with a new container 40 tobegin a new cycle (FIG. 6I).

In embodiments in which a biomass to be irradiated can be damaged athigh temperatures, additional modifications can be made to the system.For example, if cannabis is to be irradiated, if exposed to temperaturesabove around 80° F., the cannabis can suffer terpene loss, which isundesirable. Because x-ray tubes generate heat during operation despitebeing liquid cooled, it is possible for the interior of the leadedcabinet to get above the 80-degree threshold (or another thresholdtemperature) whilst the flower is being remediated. To counter this, athermal probe can be installed inside the cabinet and monitors theinterior temperature during the remediation process. A pagoda-style airconditioning unit, or other cooling unit, can also be mounted to the topof the cabinet and configured to turn on (via a command by the system’sPLC) if the interior of the cabinet reaches a preset temperaturethreshold. The air conditioning unit can be configured to cycle off oncethe temperature inside the cabinet reaches the lower threshold.

In addition, constant potential x-ray emitters/tubes have a tendency toarc on occasion, a phenomenon that occurs when enough impurities fromout-gassing materials allow temporary conductivity across the cathode toanode (or anode to cathode) vacuum. This event has the potential todamage either the high voltage power supply, the high voltage cable, orthe x-ray emitter/tube itself. As a result, typically the high voltagepower supply will shut down to protect itself. In other applications,such as x-ray imaging biological irradiation, the disruption can beproblematic and often requires the retake of an image or the repeat of ascientific experiment.

Remediation of some products, such as cannabis, may only require acoarse operation and does not require such a precise application ofdose. As such, in certain embodiments, the high voltage power supply canbe configured to ignore up to three emitter/tube arcs occurring within apreset amount of time (such as 1 - 3 seconds) so that the remediationoperation is not interrupted, hampering throughput, and requiring are-start to be initiated by the operator. Moreover, the high voltagepower supply used in the present application comprises a very robustsurge resistor such that emitter/tube arcs will not cause damage.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamentalnovel features of the irradiation device, system and method as appliedto embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions andsubstitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices andmethods described may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expresslyintended that all combinations of those elements and/or method stepswhich perform substantially the same function in substantially the sameway to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention.Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/ormethod steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosedform or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any otherdisclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a generalmatter of design choice.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A method for sterilization of a biomass comprising:loading a container stored with a biomass to be sterilized onto aplatform in a sterilization apparatus, the platform being configured foraxial rotation; and performing a sterilization process configured tosterilize the biomass of the container with at least one X-ray tube ofthe sterilization apparatus configured to generate an X-ray beamdirected towards the container; wherein the sterilization processcomprises concurrently: rotating the container on the platform,generating the X-ray beam by the at least one X-ray tube and directingthe X-ray beam towards the container, and traversing a length of thecontainer with the at least one X-ray tube concurrent with the axialrotation of the platform so that over the sterilization process,substantially an entire length of the container is exposed to the X-raybeam.
 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein points on aperimeter of the container receive a higher level of radiation from theX-ray beam than a center of the container and are exposed to the X-raybeam for a shorter duration of time than the center of the container.26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the container iscylindrical.
 27. The method according to claim 24, wherein generatingthe X-ray beam by the at least one X-ray tube comprises emitting adirectional beam pattern in a single direction toward the container. 28.The method according to claim 27, wherein the at least one X-ray tube isarranged in near surface contact with container, and the X-ray beam doesnot encompass the width of the container on an outer portion of thecontainer.
 29. The method according to claim 24, wherein a linear speedof the traversing the container with the at least one X-ray tube variesat a leading edge of the container to reduce traversal speed at theleading edge of the container.
 30. The method according to claim 24,wherein rotating the container on the platform comprises rotating thecontainer 360° at a rotation speed between five to ten revolutions perminute.
 31. The method according to claim 24, wherein a rate of thetraversing of the container with the at least one X-ray tube is betweenfour inches per hour and thirty inches per hour.
 32. The methodaccording to claim 24, wherein the container comprises a diameter ofapproximately twelve inches and a length between twelve to twenty-fourinches.
 33. The method according to claim 24, wherein the at least oneX-ray tube comprises two X-ray tubes arranged on opposite sides of thecontainer, and the method further comprises: generating the X-ray beamsby the two X-ray tubes, the X-ray beams contacting opposing sides of therotating container.
 34. The method according to claim 33, wherein thetraversing the length of the container with the at least one X-ray tubecomprises: traversing the length of the container a first time by thetwo X-ray tubes by moving the two X-ray tubes along the length of thecontainer in a first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of theplatform; and traversing the length of the container a second time bythe two X-ray tubes by moving the two X-ray tubes along the length ofthe container in a second direction opposite the first directionconcurrent with the axial rotation of the platform.
 35. The methodaccording to claim 24, wherein the traversing a length of the containerwith the at least one X-ray tube comprises: traversing the length of thecontainer a first time by the at least one X-ray tube by moving the atleast one X-ray tube along the length of the container in a firstdirection concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform; andtraversing the length of the container a second time by the at least oneX-ray tube by moving the at least one X-ray tube along the length of thecontainer in a second direction opposite the first direction concurrentwith the axial rotation of the platform.
 36. The method according toclaim 24, wherein the traversing a length of the container with the atleast one X-ray tube comprises: traversing the length of the container afirst time by the at least one X-ray tube by moving the platform in afirst direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform; andtraversing the length of the container a second time by the at least oneX-ray tube by moving the platform in a second direction opposite thefirst direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform. 37.A sterilization method comprising: axially rotating a container,comprising therein contents to be sterilized, on a platform; generatingan X-ray beam by at least one X-ray tube, the X-ray beam being directedtowards the container; and moving the platform or the at least one X-raytube concurrent with axial rotation of the platform so thatsubstantially an entire length of the container is traversed by theX-ray beam.
 38. The method according to claim 37, wherein points on aperimeter of the container receive a higher level of radiation from theX-ray beam than a center of the container and are exposed to the X-raybeam for a shorter duration of time than the center of the container.39. The method according to claim 37, wherein the container iscylindrical.
 40. The method according to claim 39, wherein generatingthe X-ray beam by the at least one X-ray tube comprises emitting adirectional beam pattern in a single direction toward the container. 41.The method according to claim 40, wherein the at least one X-ray tube isarranged in near surface contact with container, and the X-ray beam doesnot encompass the width of the container on an outer portion of thecontainer.
 42. The method according to claim 37, wherein a linear speedof the moving of the platform or the at least one X-ray tube varies whenthe at least one X-ray tube is at a leading edge of the container toreduce traversal speed at the leading edge of the container.
 43. Themethod according to claim 37, wherein the at least one X-ray tubecomprises two X-ray tubes arranged on opposite sides of the container,and the method further comprises: generating the X-ray beams by the twoX-ray tubes, the X-ray beams contacting opposing sides of the rotatingcontainer.
 44. The method according to claim 43, further comprising:traversing the length of the container a first time by the two X-raytubes by moving the two X-ray tubes along the length of the container ina first direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform;and traversing the length of the container a second time by the twoX-ray tubes by moving the two X-ray tubes along the length of thecontainer in a second direction opposite the first direction concurrentwith the axial rotation of the platform.
 45. The method according toclaim 37, further comprising: traversing the length of the container afirst time by the at least one X-ray tube by moving the at least oneX-ray tube along the length of the container in a first directionconcurrent with the axial rotation of the platform; and traversing thelength of the container a second time by the at least one X-ray tube bymoving the at least one X-ray tube along the length of the container ina second direction opposite the first direction concurrent with theaxial rotation of the platform.
 46. The method according to claim 37,further comprising: traversing the length of the container a first timeby the at least one X-ray tube by moving the platform in a firstdirection concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform; andtraversing the length of the container a second time by the at least oneX-ray tube by moving the platform in a second direction opposite thefirst direction concurrent with the axial rotation of the platform.